President Washington 7

One of the final acts of the Congress of the Confederation was to prepare for the first presidential election, setting March 4, 1789, as the date for the new government to start. George Washington was widely recognized as the ideal candidate for president and was unanimously selected. He took the oath of office on April 30, 1789, promising to faithfully uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States.

When Washington began his presidency, the new Constitution lacked public support and needed a functioning government. The government was tasked with creating its own systems, including taxation and law enforcement, as there was no judiciary established yet. The army was small, and the navy had been disbanded. Congress swiftly formed the Departments of State and Treasury, appointing Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton as their heads, while also creating Departments of War and Justice. Washington valued advice from these men, leading to the formation of the presidential Cabinet.

As the country expanded with increased immigration from Europe and westward movement, agriculture thrived, particularly in wheat production. The Industrial Revolution began as manufacturing emerged in several states, boosting shipping and trade. Washington's leadership was vital in organizing the national government, settling territories, and admitting new states, while his Farewell Address urged the nation to avoid permanent foreign alliances.